Economic pressures could drive Asia Pac Enterprise 2.0 adoption

Social software tools will become increasingly prevalent in Asia Pacific enterprises as the slowing global economy and tightening credit markets continue to bite, according to a study by consulting company Frost & Sullivan.

Released last week, the study forecasts that Enterprise 2.0 initiatives such as blogs and wikis will grow in popularity as companies seek to transition from efficiency and resource-driven economies to innovation-driven economies

The ability to create, capture and leverage knowledge and collaborate between individuals was highlighted as the major driver for the uptake of Enterprise 2.0 technologies.

However, the study warns that new collaborative business tools pose a significant challenge to existing business models, especially in previously protected markets and areas dominated by a few players.

And while the technology is expected to improve niche marketing and innovation opportunities, analysts warn that companies should anticipate a massive increase in customer expectations around service delivery.

“Usually the challenge with any new technology is to identify how to apply the tools for the greatest return,” said Simon Hayes, Senior Industry Analyst, Frost & Sullivan, in a statement.

“With Enterprise 2.0 it becomes a little trickier,” he said. “There is also the question of how to adapt to a new business model.”

For Enterprise 2.0 technologies to become widespread, Asia Pacific organisations will first have to come to grips with their concerns relating to collaboration and the loss of control over staff and customers, analysts predict.

Other major concerns include the potential for loss of intellectual property, security, and the cost of implementing and training for new technologies.